James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen.

After college, Jones would go on to serve in the Army from 1953-55. After taking an exam in high school to receive university funding, Jones attended U-M on a Regent’s Alumni Scholarship, but the award was not enough to cover full tuition and board. ... In 1978, James Earl Jones guest starred on the children's educational TV show "Sesame ...

Sep 9, 2024 · As a University of Michigan student, Jones intended to study medicine but soon discovered acting. After college, he served in the military during the Korean War then returned to his passion of...

Jones attended the University of Michigan on a full scholarship (money given to a student to attend college), intending to study medicine. At first he took acting classes as a hobby, but he soon switched his major to theater.

Aug 10, 2016 · He graduated from Dickson High School in Brethren, Michigan in 1949. In 1953, Jones participated in productions at Manistee Summer Theatre. After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, Jones received his B.A. degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1955.

Feb 4, 2025 · The legendary actor James Earl Jones came to University of Michigan to become a doctor. After discovering a love of theater, he left on the path to stardom.

Sep 9, 2024 · Through an arduous program of public speaking, James Earl Jones overcame his handicap, and today he is one of America's most celebrated actors, renowned for what critics have called "the voice of the century."

Sep 11, 2024 · He eventually became a Catholic while serving in the Army after college at the University of Michigan. In his autobiography, James Earl Jones: Voices and Silences, written with Penelope Niven,...

We honor James Earl Jones, who was a pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry. Best known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen, he is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status(Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).

James Earl Jones is one of America’s most distinguished and versatile actors, with a career stretching more than six decades. He is particularly famous for his iconic voice work in roles such as Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars .